hyder@hpfcpkh.UUCP (hyder) (08/07/84)
Storage in the dark for photo images is just the start. The main
image destroyers are (In order):
1. Light. It's a shame you ever need to look at them.
2. Heat. This one is subtile. The WORST possible second
choice for storage is a Hot dark place. (The light in
number one usually adds heat to the situation.)
3. Oxygen. In most of the air around here.
NOTE: #1 and #2 are in close competition for which is worse, it
depends on the material in question and how it was processed.
(We are talking organic dyes.)
The best storage is sealed in small, air tight, opaque, containers
under refrigeration. (Frozen if possible.)
Paul Hyder {HP-FSD Fort Collins ...!hplabs!hpfcla!hyder }briand@tekig1.UUCP (Brian Diehm) (08/09/84)
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Most Ektachrome slides of 20 years age are by now showing definite fading,
specifically of reds and yellows. Most Kodachromes of 40 years ago are still
in pretty good shape, if stored carefully. I understand that Kodak claims that
today's Ektachrome is as stable as the Kodachrome of 40 years ago, and that
Kodachrome has itself been improved. Unfortunately, I can cite no sources for
the above information.
If you are concerned about longevity of your slides, be aware that you can
enhance their performance in this area by providing proper storage for the long
term: dark, low temperature, controlled low humidity but not absolutely dry.
Also, avoid cyclical changes in temperature or humidity. Be careful of the
storage containers you use too; most of the vinyl slide sheets will quickly
deteriorate the images they are to "protect." Archival slide pages are avail-
able, and Mylar is one of the recommended materials.
Kodak puts out publications about storage of images - of course, Kodak
puts out publications about *EVERYTHING*! The U.S. Government also has some
info on archival storage of photographic materials, specifically slides. They
also put out publications about *EVERYTHING*! The mylar recommendation comes
from some government agency or other.
Calumet Photographic, Inc. carries archival slide storage materials, in-
cluding transparent sheets and ringed binders, all of which do not outgas any
polymers. I am sure there are many other sources as well.
-Brian Diehm
Tektronix, Inc.del@t4test.UUCP (Del Duncan) (08/14/84)
There is an article in the September issue of Popular Photography magazine concerning the new Ektachrome 100 slide film. In this article was a short discussion on the longetivity of Ektachrome vs. Kodachrome. It stated that if the proper storage technics are used, i.e. - slides kept at proper temperature in a refrigerator, etc., that Kodachrome does indeed last much longer before fading sets in. But, if they're not stored exactly right, the difference between Kodachrome and Ektachrome is minimal. So, if you're like me and you're using archival slide pages kept in a dark closet, you probably won't see much difference in the longetivity of your slides.
marcus@pyuxt.UUCP (M. G. Hand) (08/30/84)
> Storage in the dark for photo images is just the start. The main > image destroyers are (In order): > 1. Light. It's a shame you ever need to look at them. > 2. Heat. This one is subtile. The WORST possible second > choice for storage is a Hot dark place. (The light in > number one usually adds heat to the situation.) > 3. Oxygen. In most of the air around here. Of course problem # 3 isn't a factor here in New Jersey.